Trigeminal Nerve (Posterior Root) Retrolabyrinthine Selective Section: Operative Procedure for Intractable Pain

Abstract

A completely new surgical approach is presented that allows selective section of the preganglionic fibers of the fifth nerve for tic douloureux with preservation of sensation as suggested by Dandy. The procedure is done by the retrolabyrinthine approach and carries only the morbidity of a simple mastoidectomy. This operation may be preferable to the long-term medical management of patients with trigeminal neuralgia.